Today, drive over the world-famous bridge to explore wine country just to the north of San Francisco, California.
Pull over in the parking lot on the north side of the bridge, just after the second tower to the right, for amazing vistas of the city.

The open space just to the north of the Golden Gate Bridge was preserved through the hard work of dedicated environmentalists. There are sights to see throughout the Headlands, including an old Nike missile silo from the days when there was an active military base here. You can see most of them on the loop drive through the Headlands.
For a quicker visit, drive straight west up the hill until it dead ends. There is a small parking lot. Park and walk through the tunnel and up to the vista point. This is Hawk Hill. Bring binoculars to scout for hawks riding the currents. You may even encounter a park ranger giving a talk about the lovely raptors who pass through here.

For breakfast, stop at Larkspur's Marin Country Mart. Order a latte from Marin's own Equator Coffees and a panini stuffed with cave-aged Gruyère and ham, or opt for Rustic's famous chocolate croissant.
Hang out for a stretch at a picnic table under the sycamores, or jump back in the car and beat the traffic headed to wine country.

Wear your swim suit to spend the morning canoeing or kayaking on the Russian River, which winds around the south side of Healdsburg, California. Trips last as few as three hours, which gives you ample time to spot herons and the occasional steelhead salmon.

Just across the river from your kayak or canoe experience sits a petite winery with views of the river from the garden lounge. Sip the award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, or try your hand at throwing the hard balls on the nearby bocce court.
Please note that reservations are required as space is limited. Also, make sure you check their opening times in advance on the official website.

For lunch, head towards downtown Healdsburg. Little Saint is a one-stop shop for the flavor of Healdsburg.
With produce coming from the team’s new 24-acre farm, chef Bryan Oliver is serving up dishes as varied as cultured cashew ricotta with tomato tapenade, grilled center cut squash with vadouvan, coconut yogurt and sumac, and Dry Creek peaches with cucumbers and wild fennel.

Studded with wineries, Westside Road is an extension of Healdsburg that feels far removed from the town itself. Stop in at MacRostie for a seated tasting of the well-regarded Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, and be sure to ask about the sparkling wines. They express the region's terroir in the most wonderful way.

Wrap up a visit to Healdsburg with dinner and a digestif at Healdsburg unofficial town hall, The Matheson. Chef Dustin Valette's multiconcept, multifloored homage to wine country dining includes two restaurants, a sushi kitchen, and ROOF 106 rooftop bar and lounge. There's also a wine wall where you can taste from 100 world-class wines.